261, 262. Sgurr Choinnich (139), Sgurr a'Chaorachain (78). 30/05/2023

Another clear day in the highlands for this walk up the same glen that I'd cycled a month prior. We made rapid time, which was good for the various transport logistics that ensued after the walk.

At least 6km striding along an excellent track was followed by a rope bridge across the river (unnecessary in such dry conditions - I walked through the water) and then a gentle climb up a path leading ultimately towards Lurg Mhor. When we reached the shoulder of Sgurr Choinnich at about 650m, we turned left and scrambled up a small path to the summit (with plenty of interesting bits along the way). Competitive tendencies came to the surface when it was discovered we had a chance of our first morning munro of the trip, so we climbed without a break to get there at 11.58. Such is the madness of youth!

It was an excellent vantage point and the short ridge across to Sgurr a'Chaorachain was short and sweet, meaning we were trotting down the steep grassy side and rejoining the track in no time at all. Apparently my descent line was again novel, but it got me to where I wanted quite efficiently. Overall, a straightforward loop of two great hills.

5h50, 21km, 1200m

Some antics crossing the wire bridge

Some scrambling up the shoulder of Sgurr Choinnich

Looking back from Sgurr a'Chaorachain on the ascent party

259,260. Beinn Liath Mhor (258), Sgurr Ruadh (195, P600 58). 29/05/2023

One of those frequent wall-to-wall sunshine days in the highlands.

Chris was permitted a lie-in, so we only made it to the trailhead in the nick of time to pinch the last parking space. The first part of the climb was up a path through the scrub before the barren Torridonian landscape opened out and the day's route became clear. 

From 400m to the east top of Beinn Liath Mhor was a steep climb up a zigzagging path that was quite sapping on the legs, but the views greeting us on the top were worth it. It was quite a bumpy ridge and the shattered rock and scrambling made for slowish progress here, but we were also taking our time to enjoy the clear tops. 

The descent to the bealach was filled with interesting terrain and small challenges to keep us entertained, but it didn't take us too long to reach the second munro of Sgurr Ruadh. Here we met our second large party of 10+ walkers at the summit - the hills were positively packed on such a sunny Bank Holiday.

The descent went past the impressively buttressed Fuarr Tholl corbett and onto a path back to the car park. I even braved the midge to dip my toes in the stream near the start - the joys of a spare pair of socks!

6h40, 18km, 1300m

Beginning the summit ridge of BLM

Yours truly before the descent to the bealach

SR looking suitably Torridonian

255-258. An Socach (67), An Riabhachan (29), Sgurr na Lapaich (24, P600 57), Carn nan Gobhar (152). 28/05/2023

With a near-perfect outlook for a few days, we embarked on the somewhat audacious northern Mullardoch ridge, which the guidebook recommends splitting into two walks!

We needed a fairly early start and were at the dam by 8.15am, whence the walk begins with a 10km lochside path (of sorts) before making its way gradually up to the remote An Socach - first along a path seemingly in the middle of nowhere and then across peat hags and up a steep shoulder to the curved summit ridge. We arrived shortly after midday to find a fellow walker on his fourth munro of the day, which was good going!

From here it was an undulating and sometimes scrambly ridge to An Riabhachan across several minor tops and the conditions were excellent without being too warm. Sgurr na Lapaich was the highpoint and involved the only significant bit of re-ascent of the day, but there was nothing challenging. The view back from Carn nan Gobhar (which does well to be considered a separate munro) was spectacular. 

My companions were sceptical as to my descent line from here, but I maintain it made the most efficient use of the soft grassy bits to get us back to the loch in rapid time. We made surprisingly good time and overall this walk shouldn't be considered a daunting prospect. It contained a pleasing amount of ditance spent at a high level.

9h50, 32km, 1900m

Our first summit of the day after a good 4h of walking

Looking east along the ridge

South from SnL

The summit of CnG

Joe enjoying the vista of SnL

254. Slioch (170, P600 56). 27/05/2023

An exciting sleeper journey to Inverness ensured I was suitably unrested for this walk, but the long summer evening allowed us to tackle a medium length walk despite only setting off at midday. Joe had also kindly decided to level the playing field by doing a 5k race in the morning so that my sleepy legs didn't fall too far behind.

We started with a nice walk in along loch Maree for an hour before climbing into the mountain up a good path. Then we entered the mist and lost the good path. A stiff climb ensued up the side of the corrie in approximately the right direction, before re-finding the path near the crest of the ridge.

The mist and drizzle were joined by a chilly wind to cool us down on our way up to the summit, but not long after (as we scrambled our way along to the second top), the mist lifted and we had a fantastic view back to the mountain.

The descent was somewhat warmer and we yomped back along loch Maree for a fish 'n' chips supper in Contin.

6h10, 21km, 1000m

Slioch out of the clouds

Loch Maree peeping through the glen